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Lengthily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lengthily

[ˈleŋ(k)θɪli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in writing or speech

In a lengthy or long-winded manner; with an excess of words or detail.

Synonyms

prolixly, tediously, verbosely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lengthily

Use this word when something is done over a long period of time, often more than necessary.

  • He spoke lengthily about his childhood experiences; The meeting continued lengthily, much to everyone's frustration
verbosely

This word fits when describing someone who uses more words than needed, often in a way that is redundant and unclear.

  • He explained the concept verbosely, confusing his listeners; The instructions were written verbosely, making them hard to follow
prolixly

This word is suitable when describing something that is excessively wordy and detailed to the point of being boring or difficult to follow.

  • The professor lectured prolixly, causing many students to lose interest; His articles are often written prolixly, making them hard to read
tediously

Use 'tediously' when describing an action or process that is monotonous and tiresome.

  • She tediously copied the entire book by hand; The movie dragged on tediously, making the audience restless

Examples of usage

  • She explained the process lengthily, going into every small detail.
  • The professor answered the student's question lengthily, providing a thorough explanation.
Context #2 | Adverb

in time

For a long period of time; extensively.

Synonyms

prolongedly, protractedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lengthily

Used when something is done in a prolonged, often unnecessary, or overly detailed manner. Sometimes carries a negative connotation because it suggests that the action or speech could have been shorter or more concise.

  • She spoke lengthily about her vacation, explaining every minute detail.
  • The meeting dragged on lengthily, much to everyone's dismay.
protractedly

Used to describe something lengthy and drawn out, often implying frustration or that it is unnecessarily extended. This word has a more formal tone and almost always a negative shade.

  • The negotiations went on protractedly, and no agreement was reached.
  • His protractedly long explanation bored everyone in the room.
prolongedly

Refers to something that continues for an extended period of time, often longer than usual or expected. It can describe both positive and negative situations.

  • He gazed at the painting prolongedly, lost in its beauty.
  • They talked prolongedly about their future plans.

Examples of usage

  • The negotiations went on lengthily, spanning several weeks.
  • The project was delayed lengthily due to unforeseen circumstances.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • 'Lengthily' contrasts with 'briefly', used to describe actions done with fewer words or in a short time.
  • Words ending in '-ily' are adverbs, which tell us how something is done, like 'quickly' means done with speed.
  • In English, using 'lengthily' can sometimes be seen as overly wordy or formal, often avoided in casual conversation.

Cultural Usage

  • In literature, authors often use 'lengthily' to describe detailed descriptions that create immersive settings.
  • In public speaking, speakers are sometimes criticized for speaking 'lengthily' when they could be more concise.
  • The word has a negative connotation in modern communication, as brevity is often preferred in fast-paced environments like social media.

Psychology

  • People tend to think lengthily worded explanations are more informative, though they may actually confuse the listener.
  • Studies suggest that when information is presented lengthily, retention rates decline unless it's engaging and well-structured.
  • The tendency to speak or write lengthily can be linked to one's self-esteem, with some individuals feeling more valued when elaborating.

Writing and Rhetoric

  • Effective writing often balances detail with conciseness, with lengthily written pieces potentially losing audience interest.
  • Rhetorical devices can be used to enhance lengthily explanations, adding rhythm and persuasion, while also maintaining clarity.
  • Critics of lengthily drawn-out arguments often call for the 'KISS' principle, which stands for 'Keep It Simple, Stupid' to enhance understanding.

Origin of 'lengthily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'length', which means how long something is, combined with the suffix '-ily' that means 'in a certain way'.
  • Its roots are found in Old English, with 'length' tracing back to the Proto-Germanic word *langitho, relating to the concept of being long.
  • The usage of '-ily' to create adverbs dates back to the early medieval English period, expanding the language's ability to describe actions.

The word 'lengthily' is derived from the adjective 'lengthy,' which comes from the Middle English 'lengthi,' ultimately from the Old English 'lengþe' meaning 'length.' The adverb form 'lengthily' emerged in the 19th century to describe actions or explanations done in a lengthy or extensive manner. It is often used in formal or academic contexts to convey a sense of thoroughness or verbosity.

See also: length, lengthen, lengthened, lengthening, lengthiness, lengthy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,083, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.